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Writing an Empirical Paper. Pieces and Parts. Title Abstract Introduction Method Results Discussion References Tables / Figures Appendices. Hourglass Structure. Introduction: begins broadly, narrows to your study Method & Results: the most specific parts
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Pieces and Parts • Title • Abstract • Introduction • Method • Results • Discussion • References • Tables / Figures • Appendices
Hourglass Structure • Introduction: begins broadly, narrows to your study • Method & Results: the most specific parts • Discussion: begins with your results, broadens to larger implications
Introduction • What is the nature and background of the problem or phenomenon? • Start with the big picture • What previous research has been done? • NOT a laundry list of earlier studies • Overview of your study • What is its contribution? How does it build on prior work / answer remaining questions?
Method • in another handout…
Results • Describe the forest before the trees • Begin with central findings before moving to peripheral ones • Explain the results in plain English before reporting statistics • Summarize along the way
Discussion • What are the findings of your study? • How do they speak to your original hypothesis and predictions? • How do your findings compare with other research? • What are the shortcomings of your study? • What new questions have been raised or remain unanswered? How can these be addressed?
References • Reference list should match in-text citations (no more, no fewer) • Do not name article titles in the text • If you quote, provide the page number • The first in-text citation should name all authors (up to 6) • 1st citation: (Baldwin, Baird, Saylor, & Clark, 2001) • Later citations: (Baldwin et al., 2001)
Style • Write simply and clearly • No need for big words, long sentences • Omit needless words • Omit needless words • Know what words mean • “data” is plural (“these data show…”) • affect (to influence) vs. effect (the outcome)